Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
N/A
N/A
This module introduces students to the poetry of the early middle ages in its original language, thereby allowing them to study the very beginnings of literature in English. Old English poetry covers a wide range of genres, including wisdom literature, religious verse, heroic and elegiac poetry, and innuendo-laden riddles. The module will explore literature that negotiates between the Germanic, heroic, Christian, and quotidian cultures that pervaded the age and were especially relevant to the North of England.
This module will focus on two main texts in their original language. It will start by examining a deeply moving poem about loss and loneliness, The Wanderer, followed by one of the greatest poems about heroes and monsters, Beowulf. Students will 'slow read' these text by creating their own translations of the original Old English. They will gain an understanding of the key features of the language and its poetics and, in doing so, will have the opportunity to examine and reflect on their own poetic impulses. Students will also situate these texts in their literary contexts by reading a wider range of other Old English poetry in translation, as well as reflect on the place of Old English literature today.
By the end of the module, students will:
-Be able to analyse selected Old English texts and their historical and generic contexts
-Be able to show relevant knowledge of Old English literary history, its predominant themes and concerns
-Be aware of different theoretical, conceptual, and contextual approaches to reading a specialised aspect of Old English literature
-Have an awareness of the linguistic, social, and cultural contexts informing this literature
-Have a familiarity with and the ability to apply relevant conceptual and contextual approaches to this body of work.
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
-Analyse Old English literature in its original language
-Translate Old English texts with the aid of dictionaries, glossaries, and online material
-Assimilate information from a number of sources: literary, historical, critical, theoretical, and manuscript
-Critically compare and contrast different texts and contexts
-Identify and explore issues linked to relevant concerns in the study of a specialised area of Old English Literature
-Read and comprehend literary works written in early medieval England
-Exercise and develop a sensitivity to verbal creativity.
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Reading and translation |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Linguistic, literary, and historical background; key module activities |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 81:00 | 81:00 | Reading and translation |
Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | Translation forums |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | In Person group sessions or one to one drop in sessions |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Face-to-Face online language work and analysis of set texts in their literary/linguistic context |
Total | 200:00 |
Lectures introduce students to the contexts of the texts they will study in the module, including linguistic and literary background. Structured non-synchronous discussion forums provide guidance and support for the translation of the core texts and an opportunity to consider the creative processes involved in producing poetry of this kind. Scheduled on-line contact time [small group teaching seminars] develop the topics of the lectures and enable the practice of skills, namely close textual analysis, critical thinking, literary, oral, written, and interpersonal communication, and the synthesis and presentation of textual material.
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 1 | A | 100 | 3,000 word essay |
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Written exercise | 1 | M | N/A |
Mid-module written exercise (1000 words): students will produce a close reading commentary on a passage of Old English. They will compare their own translation of the passage with those of other scholars and then analyse the effects of those varying translations on the meaning of the text.
End of module essay (3000 words): using their understanding of Old English and translation practices, students will write a comparative, thematic piece on at least two different Old English texts. Students will have the option of producing an essay with either a literary or linguistic focus.
The mid module close reading exercise will give students a base on which to build their understanding Old English language and poetics, their own translation practices, and those of others. They will use this understanding in their end of module essay to produce detailed textual evidence for their argument. The mixed modes of assessment (close reading and comparative/contextual analysis) ensures good coverage of the texts and focusses students on detailed aspects of the module materials, connecting their ideas with the module's broader themes.
N/A
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2020/21 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2021/22 entry will be published here in early-April 2021. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.